Nation celebrates Sept 6 as Defence and Martyrs Day

ISLAMABAD: The entire nation along with the armed forces of the country celebrated the Defence Day on Thursday with a solemnized pledge to continue to defend of the geographical, ideological boundaries and territorial integrity of the motherland.
The day dawned with gun salute, 31 in federal and 21 in the provincial capitals. Special prayers in all mosques, especially of those in defence formations held asking for well-being and prosperity of the country.
Fateha and Quran Khawani also held for those who laid their lives in the line to serve the nation, opting to embrace supreme sacrifice.
Wreath laying ceremonies conducted at the mausoleums of the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider (highest gallantry award) which was attended by the senior officers of the respective areas across the country. It was on this day in 1965 that Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan, but the nation foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy.
Main ceremony of the day was held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi from 8 pm to 10 pm to pay tributes to the martyrs and express gratitude with their families. Prime Minister Imran Khan was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The ceremony was attended by Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, services chiefs, Ministers, Senators, MNAs, ambassadors, diplomats, military and civilian officials and people from various walks of life.
State run Radio Pakistan broadcasted live the ceremony besides airing of special programs containing national songs, interviews of the family members of martyrs and ghazis to pay homage to the defenders of motherland. Special ceremony held at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad
In connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day, Pakistan Navy organized a special ceremony at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Thursday morning. Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Kaleem Shaukat was the chief guest.
On the occasion, the message of the Naval Chief was also read out in which he highlighted the role played by Pakistan Navy in the war of 1965. Admiral Kaleem Shaukat also laid floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument.
In Lahore, change of guard ceremony was held at the mausoleum of great poet, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Garrison Commander, Major General Muhammad Aamir laid floral wreath on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff at the Mazar-e-Iqbal and offered Fateha.
Meanwhile, special ceremony to mark Defence Day is in progress at Fortress Stadium in Lahore under the aegis of Pakistan Army. Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar is the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Corps Commander Lahore Lt. Gen. Aamir Riaz, notables and people from all walks of life are attending the ceremony. In Karachi, change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force assumed the guard duties. The representatives of three armed services will also visit the mazar of the father of the nation and lay floral wreath and offer fateha.
Representatives of armed forces are also visiting the families of martyrs to express solidarity with them and to pay tribute for the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Director General of Sindh Rangers Major General Mohammad Saeed visited the Mazar of Quaid-i-Azam in Karachi today to pay homage to the father of the nation on the occasion of Defence Day.
Defence and Martyrs Day ceremony underway at Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium, Peshawar
In Peshawar, main function in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day is in progress at Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium Peshawar. Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. General Nazir Ahmed Butt is chief guest on the occasion.
Contingents of Armoured Corps, Infantry, Air Defence, Frontier Constabulary and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are participating in the event. Guard of Honor presented at Mazar of Havaldar Lalik Jan Shaheed in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Gilgit Baltistan, Commander Force Command Northern Area Maj. Gen Saqib Mehmood Malik laid floral wreath at the Mazar of Havaldar Lalik Jan Shaheed Nishan-e-Haider at Hundur in Ghizer.
Guard of honor was also presented by a group of Pak Army soldiers. – NNI